Kia rio 1.2 LX

**timrev** · August 30th, 2012 09:45 AM

The gasoline-powered, manual-transmission model of Kia's newest car is basically a stripped-down version of the more upscale Rio EX. Airbags are some of the most expensive individual components inside a car, so they were the first to go. Large alloy wheels are also quite pricey compared to hubcapped 14-inch steel rims, so CAC opted for the latter. Chrome pipings and accents had to be ditched as well to save on costs. Even the headlight assemblies, sadly, had to lose their LED design cues. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats? Not in this variant. Power windows? Only at the front doors, and don't even bother about power door locks as the Rio LX doesn't come with these. The antilock brake system? Forget about it. Fleet buyers will also lose about 200cc worth of displacement together with close to 20 horses of power and almost 18Nm of torque with the LX as it only houses a 1.2-liter Kappa engine instead of the 1.4-liter lump in the higher-end EX.

So, what do fleet buyers have left? Well, for P598,000 they will get a smooth-riding, solid-feeling, cleanly-designed, stylish and modern-looking Euro-inspired sedan. It is a well-built everyday car that's spacious enough to accommodate five in relative comfort. It rides with a composure befitting a larger compact. It has seats so soft and supportive that passengers will feel like they were sitting in body-hugging office chairs. The large and deep trunk space should be able to house an LPG tank along with cargo. Also standard with the LX is a two-tone dashboard finish that, thankfully, CAC didn't omit. At least when fleet drivers step inside, they will not feel like they got the raw end of the stick.
2012 Kia Rio LX review - Drives | TopGear.com.ph
On the road, the fleet driver will experience composed lightness in the Rio LX's controls. The clutch, brake and gas pedals are all soft to step on, but this time they are more controlled and precise to operate. No more clutch lag as with the old Rio. The electric-motor-driven power steering is likewise a breeze to fling around, making this Rio effortless to drive. And granted you don't intend to accelerate past 4,000 revs, the small displacement Kappa engine--the same found on the recently released Picanto 1.2-liter hatchback--should be enough for the daily grind.

**timrev** · August 30th, 2012 09:47 AM

kumusta po kaya FC nito? mga katsikot owner po ng rio 1.2 lx kumusta po kaya performance nito?
problem?

**dencio1976** · August 30th, 2012 06:26 PM

sa slex... manila to laguna FC kong average is about 17km/L. sa old kia rio 2010 i get 14+/L.

pero pag mabigat paa ng driver naka malakas din sa gas kasi mahina siya humatak compared to the old rio.

**renzo_d10** · August 30th, 2012 06:31 PM

* hindi 1.2LX yung nasa picture

*dencio: Expected naman siguro yan ng mga prospective buyers kasi 1.2L lang siya -- old one was 1.4L -- and pareho sila engine ng Picanto.

I think the good thing about the 1.2L Rio is that it doesn't share the same woe with its 1.4L counterpart -- malakas sa gas.

**niky** · August 30th, 2012 11:36 PM

It could be better. I was expecting more from it, but fully laden, 14 km/l combined city-highway. And the gearing is perfect for city driving.

As a taxi model, it rides and drives superbly compared to the Accent and Vios. And better yet, it doesn't suffer e "dapa" issue that plagues the other two cars when you have many passengers and a full trunk.

Great car for the money.

**timrev** · August 31st, 2012 03:28 PM

so makatarungan naman pala yun FC ng rio 1.2 LX...?
compared sa rio 1.4 HB na matakaw nga daw sa gas na di makatarungan sa 1.4 engine

dumarami nga yun taxi 1.2LX...first time ko nga makita to taxi model na

**renzo_d10** · August 31st, 2012 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by timrev

so makatarungan naman pala yun FC ng rio 1.2 LX...?
compared sa rio 1.4 HB na matakaw nga daw sa gas na di makatarungan sa 1.4 engine

dumarami nga yun taxi 1.2LX...first time ko nga makita to taxi model na

Oo naman.

Hindi ka rin naman malamang papahiyain niyan. Meron ako nakasabay sa Dona Hemady humahataw na 1.2 LX na Rio. Just don't expect so much.

There's nothing special to it, just a basic point A to point B car. Kung gusto mo features, go with the 1.2L MT Picanto.

**timrev** · August 31st, 2012 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by renzo_d10

Oo naman.

Hindi ka rin naman malamang papahiyain niyan. Meron ako nakasabay sa Dona Hemady humahataw na 1.2 LX na Rio. Just don't expect so much.

There's nothing special to it, just a basic point A to point B car. Kung gusto mo features, go with the 1.2L MT Picanto.

ok naman pala...kahit panu my ihahataw...maliit kasi yun picanto ayaw ni wifey...and the point is di masakit sa bulsa ang FC...
sa parts kaya kung sakali? mukang ok din to for taxi business,,,

**niky** · August 31st, 2012 03:55 PM

Very interesting gearbox. Super-short ang gears 1, 2, 3... so acceleration is great up till 80-90 km/h.... then big gap... and both 4th gear and 5th gear are overdrive... unlike cars like the Picanto where all gears are short.

Personally... the Rio 1.2 is the better deal. So the seat fabric is cheap compared to the Picanto, the stereo sucks and it has manual rear windows... so what? It's BIG. It's a whole lot of space for the money.

I'd buy one then change the narrow tires for better ones (it wanders a little in crosswinds), and that's it. Simple, dependable A-B-A car that's decently good to drive.